Funerals don’t always have to be somber. For those who lived with laughter and joy, a lighthearted musical send-off can serve as a powerful reminder of their personality, values, and humor. Choosing funny funeral songs to be played at funerals or memorials is becoming increasingly popular, especially for individuals who would rather leave behind smiles than sorrow.
Below we have listed 30 funny funeral songs which each have their own message and story and we hope you find one that resonates with you and your loved ones.
Why Choose Funny Funeral Songs?
Funny funeral songs help create a meaningful and memorable service. They reflect the deceased’s sense of humor and often break the tension of a heavy day. In many cases, they were explicitly requested by the deceased as part of their wishes.
- They personalize the ceremony
- They offer a moment of laughter and relief
- They lighten the emotional load for grieving friends and family
- They reflect the spirit and personality of the loved one
What Funny Funeral Songs Should I Choose for My Loved One’s Farewell?
Choosing funny funeral songs is a deeply personal decision that depends on your loved one’s sense of humor, taste in music, and the overall tone you want to create at their farewell. Start by thinking about what made them laugh, were they fans of cheeky lyrics, witty one-liners, or classic comedy songs? Did they have a favorite sitcom theme, a humorous anthem they always played at parties, or a song they jokingly said they wanted at their funeral?
Here are some helpful steps to guide your choice:
- Reflect on their personality – Were they known for sarcasm, gentle humor, or bold comedy?
- Consider specific memories – Was there a funny song you always associated with road trips, birthdays, or inside jokes?
- Think about how the song will feel in the moment – Will it bring comfort and laughter, or feel out of place?
- Decide when to include it – Funny songs work well as an entrance, exit, or during a photo slideshow.
Ultimately, the best funny funeral song is one that sparks a smile and feels authentic to the person you’re remembering. Whether it’s something delightfully ironic or just plain silly, choosing the right tune can turn grief into a moment of shared joy and create a memory that lasts far beyond the service.
Upbeat Funny Funeral Songs
If you’re looking for funny funeral songs that add energy and irony to the occasion, a variety of upbeat tracks can offer just the right tone. These songs often come with double meanings, surprising titles, or a bold sense of playfulness. They’re perfect for those who lived life with laughter and would want their send-off to be more of a celebration than a ceremony.
5 Examples of Upbeat Funny Funeral Songs
Here are five upbeat funny funeral songs to consider:
1. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” – Monty Python
A timeless comedic classic. This song is often used as a funeral anthem for the unapologetically witty.
2. “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees
Ironically joyful and groovy, this disco hit works especially well for the bold and humorous at heart.
3. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bobby McFerrin
Perfect for lifting the mood. Its message? No matter what, keep smiling.
4. “Another One Bites the Dust” – Queen
A sarcastic, rock-forward track that’s often requested with a wink. It hits with humor and rhythm.
5. “Disco Inferno” – The Trammps
Campy, vibrant, and absolutely unforgettable as a farewell anthem.
Soft and Silly Funeral Songs with Gentle Humor
If you want funny funeral music without overwhelming the emotional tone, soft humorous songs with subtle jokes or playful lyrics can be a more tender way to bring smiles. These tunes are often meaningful and lighthearted, creating space for tears and laughter in equal measure.
5 Examples of Soft Funny Funeral Songs
Here are five gentler options that still carry a humorous twist:
1. “Thank You for Being a Friend” – Andrew Gold
Witty, warm, and familiar – especially beloved by fans of The Golden Girls.
2. “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
A dramatic and empowering anthem, it adds flair with just the right amount of irony.
3. “Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum
A tongue-in-cheek spiritual tune that’s catchy, funky, and fun.
4. “My Way” – Frank Sinatra
So grandiose it often becomes comedic in tone, ideal for someone who truly did things their way.
5. “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” – The Beatles
A bouncy melody with lighthearted lyrics that speak to life going on.
Choosing the Right Funny Funeral Songs
When choosing a funny funeral song, think beyond the laugh. Consider what the song represents about the person. Did they love to dance? Did they have a favorite quirky tune they used to belt out in the car? Humor in a funeral should feel sincere, not forced.
Tips for Selecting the Right Funny Funeral Songs:
- Match the tone to their personality – Was their humor dry, goofy, or bold?
- Read the lyrics – Ensure the song says what you think it says.
- Gauge your audience – Some guests might need a heads-up before hearing “Highway to Hell.”
- Consider moments for humor – Use it in a slideshow, during the procession, or at the final farewell.
Top 20 Funny Funeral Songs to Play
Here is a list of hilarious, ironic, or unexpectedly joyful songs that many have chosen for their final farewell. These span multiple genres and decades.
1. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
If your loved one had a wicked sense of humor, this one’s a no-brainer. It’s cheeky, upbeat, and has that classic British sarcasm that turns even the darkest moments into something oddly comforting. The whistling alone can bring a room full of tears to a soft smile. It’s perfect for someone who didn’t want a stuffy, overly serious goodbye. Playing this at the end of the service leaves everyone with a light heart and a reminder not to take life too seriously. It’s humorous without being disrespectful, and somehow manages to make the moment feel more human. Guests will leave remembering how full of life your loved one truly was. It’s a farewell that feels personal, funny, and unforgettable.
2. Another One Bites the Dust – Queen
This is for the person who would’ve laughed at the very idea of taking their own funeral too seriously. With that iconic beat and snappy title, it’s the kind of song that makes people do a double-take and then chuckle through their tears. It’s bold, ironic, and just a little bit rebellious, which makes it perfect if that’s how your loved one lived. Whether it’s played as an entrance, exit, or just to break the tension, it brings some levity to a heavy day. It says what everyone’s thinking, but wouldn’t dare say out loud. And let’s face it, if they had a great sense of humor, they’d probably be thrilled this was their final mic drop moment.
3. Highway to Hell – AC/DC
If your loved one was the life of the party and loved to push boundaries, this one hits the mark. It’s loud, unapologetic, and full of attitude, which might be exactly how they’d want to be remembered. While not for the faint of heart, it fits someone who lived boldly and without regret. Whether it’s played half-jokingly or as a real nod to their personality, it breaks the mood just enough to make people laugh and shake their heads in recognition. It’s not about where they’re headed, but how they lived – loud, fast, and without compromise. A little irreverent? Sure. But also incredibly memorable.
4. Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead – Judy Garland
This one’s a wild card, but in the right setting, it absolutely works. Maybe it was an inside joke. Maybe your loved one had a dark sense of humor and told you this was their choice years ago. Whatever the reason, it’s unexpected and definitely gets a reaction. The upbeat show-tune energy makes it completely surreal at a funeral, which is why it’s so memorable. It turns the moment on its head and makes people laugh, sometimes through shock, sometimes through shared understanding. It’s not for everyone, but for the right personality, it’s the perfect nod to their playful, mischievous side.
5. Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
Disco at a funeral? Surprisingly, yes. This Bee Gees classic is dripping with irony in the best possible way. The moment those falsetto vocals start, you can almost hear the laughter bubble up. It’s fun, upbeat, and makes people smile instantly. Perfect for someone who danced through life and always brought the good energy to every room. It takes what could be a sad moment and turns it into something lively and uplifting. It says, “Don’t cry- just groove a little and remember the good times.” It’s also a subtle way to remind people that the spirit of someone you love never really fades.
6. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
This song is the ultimate power anthem, and yes, it absolutely works at a funeral. It’s especially meaningful when used as a tribute to someone who overcame challenges with grace (and maybe a little sass). The irony of hearing “I will survive” at a funeral isn’t lost on anyone, but that’s part of what makes it funny and poignant all at once. It brings strength into the room, celebrating not just a life lived, but a legacy of resilience. It’s dramatic, empowering, and totally unexpected. If your loved one had big energy and a big heart, this track says it loud and proud.
7. I Fell into a Burning Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash
This is a perfect pick for someone with a dry sense of humor and a love for classic country. It’s got that toe-tapping beat and a story that’s dramatic in all the right ways. Whether you take the lyrics literally or as a fun metaphor for a passionate life, it strikes the right balance between meaningful and humorous. It’s especially fitting if your loved one was a bit of a firecracker or had a wild love story worth remembering. The song feels nostalgic, familiar, and surprisingly comforting, while still managing to make people smile.
8. Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum
This one walks the line between funny and spiritually fitting. With its catchy guitar riffs and tongue-in-cheek lyrics about heading “up to the spirit in the sky,” it’s the kind of song that sticks in people’s heads for days, in a good way. It’s perfect for someone who believed in a little heaven and a lot of rock ‘n’ roll. It brings a laid-back, retro vibe to the service, reminding everyone not to take the mystery of life and death too seriously. It’s hopeful, humorous, and has just enough irony to make people chuckle knowingly.
9. Disco Inferno – The Trammps
This one is pure fun. For someone who loved to dance or never took themselves too seriously, “Disco Inferno” is the kind of high-energy surprise that can actually lighten the entire mood. It’s funky, nostalgic, and the line “burn, baby, burn” takes on a whole new meaning at a funeral, especially if your loved one wanted to be cremated. It’s bold, cheeky, and over-the-top in the best way. Play it during the reception or right after the service to get a few laughs and maybe even a dance or two. This isn’t just a song, it’s a moment.
10. Cold As Ice – Foreigner
If your loved one was sarcastic, loved a good roast, or told you “don’t make my funeral boring,” this is the type of song they’d appreciate. “Cold As Ice” brings the drama and the humor, turning a very literal line into a funeral punchline. It’s a clever way to bring their personality into the room, especially if they were the type to joke about their own mortality. People might raise an eyebrow at first, but they’ll get the joke. It’s unexpected, darkly funny, and a perfect tribute to someone who didn’t mind stirring the pot.
11. Live and Let Die – Paul McCartney & Wings
This one has a cinematic flair that makes it feel like a final bow. It’s dramatic, edgy, and carries just enough humor in the title to bring out a knowing laugh. The shifting tempo, from reflective to explosive, makes it ideal for someone who lived a full, bold life. It’s a way of saying, “That’s a wrap,” with style. This track adds a little rock ‘n’ roll chaos to the ceremony and leaves a big impact. If your loved one had a flair for the dramatic, this is their kind of goodbye.
12. My Way – Frank Sinatra
This one’s funny because of how iconic and overused it is, especially if your loved one would’ve laughed at choosing something so classic and theatrical. “My Way” is powerful, unapologetic, and absolutely self-aware. It’s the go-to anthem for people who lived by their own rules and wouldn’t have wanted a cookie-cutter farewell. Playing this at their funeral is both meaningful and a little bit tongue-in-cheek, especially if they told you they wanted it in jest. It’s grand, it’s personal, and it’s strangely perfect for someone who wouldn’t have it any other way.
13. Bat Out of Hell – Meatloaf
Big personality? Big life? Then this is a big song for a big exit. It’s theatrical, intense, and a little bit chaotic, just like some of the best people we know. It turns the funeral into something that feels more like a rock opera than a quiet goodbye, which can be exactly what someone would’ve wanted. The title alone brings in some dark humor, and the lyrics are so over-the-top that they almost demand a round of applause. It’s emotional, humorous, and unforgettable.
14. Take This Job and Shove It – Johnny Paycheck
Was your loved one ready to leave this world with a wink and a punchline? Then this song nails it. It’s bold, funny, and totally fitting for someone who always spoke their mind. It’s also a great inside joke if they really disliked their job or just life’s responsibilities in general. It can be a perfect parting shot that lightens the mood and gets a few chuckles from those who knew them best. It says goodbye with attitude, which is exactly what some people would’ve wanted.
15. Dead Man’s Party – Oingo Boingo
This song practically screams “funny funeral.” With a title like that and an upbeat, almost danceable rhythm, it’s ideal for someone who would’ve wanted a celebration rather than a sorrowful sendoff. The lyrics are cheeky, and the vibe is weirdly festive which can be oddly comforting when you’re trying to honor a life filled with fun and personality. Play it at a wake, a celebration-of-life event, or even during the service if your crowd can handle it. It turns grief into a party, just like they would’ve wanted.
16. Knocking on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
There’s something gently humorous about this song’s title, especially when used for someone who had a good sense of irony. “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” is soft, soulful, and reflective, but when played with a knowing smile, it becomes a wink to the audience. It’s perfect for someone who made peace with the idea of dying and might’ve even joked about heading upstairs. The lyrics are simple but poignant, and Dylan’s mellow delivery gives the song a calm, almost comforting vibe. It’s not laugh-out-loud funny, but it’s quietly clever and beautifully human.
17. I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight – Cutting Crew
Let’s be honest, the title alone is cheeky enough to make people smile. If your loved one had a thing for ‘80s ballads or dramatic lyrics, this one is a home run. It’s playful, slightly ridiculous, and catchy enough that guests will be humming it long after the service. It works best for someone who didn’t take things too seriously and probably would’ve smirked at the idea of using a power ballad with such an on-the-nose title. It’s over-the-top in the best way and adds a bit of flair to an otherwise serious moment.
18. Celebration – Kool & The Gang
This one is a feel-good banger that instantly lifts the mood. It’s ideal for a celebration-of-life service where dancing, smiling, and storytelling are encouraged. The upbeat tempo and infectious chorus make it a natural choice for honoring someone who lived joyfully and wanted others to do the same. There’s something subversive (and kind of brilliant) about choosing a song called “Celebration” for a funeral, it flips the narrative and turns the event into something truly uplifting. It’s less about mourning and more about honoring everything your loved one brought into the world.
19. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da – The Beatles
With its catchy, carefree chorus and lighthearted lyrics, this Beatles classic adds a sense of whimsy to the day. “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” is about life going on, even after the people we love are gone, a message that’s both comforting and cheekily optimistic. It’s perfect for someone who approached life with a sense of fun and simplicity. Plus, it’s a great sing-along moment if your friends and family are the musical type. It reminds everyone that even in the middle of sadness, there’s room for lightness.
20. The End – The Doors
Now here’s one for the dark humor crowd. “The End” is moody, mysterious, and full of that classic Jim Morrison edge. It’s a bold, dramatic choice, especially for someone who loved pushing boundaries or leaned into the theatrical. The song’s title is blunt enough to be funny, but the lyrics also explore the deeper themes of transformation and letting go. It’s the kind of track that says, “This really is the end but let’s make it memorable.” It’s eerie, clever, and absolutely unforgettable.
When to Play a Funny Funeral Song
Timing is everything. While humor is welcomed by many, it must be placed thoughtfully in the service.
- Processional: Rare, but sets the tone early if desired.
- Eulogy transition: Helps lighten the mood after emotional readings.
- Video tribute: Used during photo slideshows to add joyful flair.
- Final send-off: Played as the casket is carried out or curtains close.
- Graveside goodbye: Uplifting tunes can replace traditional hymns.
How to Introduce a Funny Song at a Funeral
If a funny song may surprise or confuse guests, give context. This could be a short introduction or a printed note in the funeral program.
Examples:
- “John always said he wanted Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust at his funeral—so here we are.”
- “This was Grandma’s favorite song. She danced to it every Sunday. She’d want us laughing.”
How to Personalize a Humorous Funeral Playlist
Every person is different. The best funeral playlists are deeply personal. When selecting funny funeral songs:
- Think about inside jokes the family shared with the deceased
- Reflect on their favorite genre – was it 80s glam rock? Showtunes?
- Use songs they sang often (even badly!)
- Incorporate songs they parodied or found hilarious
- Ask friends and family for ideas
